Road Cycling Essentials

uniQ · 29 Aug 2013 at 16:50

Shamrock said:
Why do you run them so high?

coz it makes me faster init'

[DOD]Asprilla · 29 Aug 2013 at 16:51

touch said:
I would get a bike shop to do it.
I'll happily cut metal steerers with a pipe-cutter but i wouldnt cut a carbon steerer. I'd be too worried about cutting it squint or fraying the weave.
A normal hacksaw will go through carbon fine, so you could give it a go if you want to. Wear a mask though - carbon dust isnt nice.

A normal hacksaw will work but you should wrap the cut point inside and out with take to avoid splintering.

I used one of these: http://www.carbonmods.co.uk/Products/Perma-Grit-152mm-Rodsaw-with-Junior-Hacksaw__TC2.aspx

Disco Boy · 29 Aug 2013 at 16:53

Does anyone have experience of Castelli bibshorts? What're your thoughts on them?

[DOD]Asprilla · 29 Aug 2013 at 16:53

Zipp 404s clinchers for £1,499 a pair at Merlin.

35% off.

Vonhelmet · 29 Aug 2013 at 16:55

[DOD]Asprilla;24849785 said:
Zipp 404s clinchers for £1,499 a pair at Merlin.

35% off.

Nice, only about 5 times as much as my entire bike is worth.

[DOD]Asprilla · 29 Aug 2013 at 16:55

Vonhelmet said:
Nice, only about 5 times as much as my entire bike is worth.

You'll notice I didn't say they were a bargain, just that there was a reasonable discount.

uniQ · 29 Aug 2013 at 16:57

Disco Boy said:
Does anyone have experience of Castelli bibshorts? What're your thoughts on them?

They do a wide range. The lower end is probably on par with cheaper DHB but the higher end stuff is excellent. (Progetto X2 pad). Sorpasso bib tights are awesome they're fleece lined for winter and almost entirely waterproof.

I prefer them to Rapha/Assos but I rate my 2XU bib shorts above all my others.

GAC · 29 Aug 2013 at 16:58

well went for a longer ride today. clocked up just over 31km's although il admit i had to walk up the big climb for about 1km as my legs just started to cramp up on me so need to stretch them a bit. when i hopped back on felt a lot better.

http://www.strava.com/activities/78447928

Shamrock · 29 Aug 2013 at 16:58

Disco Boy said:
Does anyone have experience of Castelli bibshorts? What're your thoughts on them?

I've got some Castelli Bodypaint 2.0 shorts.

I've used them once and they were comfortable for 70mi, but whether they are better than shorts costing half as much I'm not so sure.

I plan to wear them for the 150 miler this weekend so I will reserve proper judgement until then.

Calpol · 29 Aug 2013 at 16:59

Disco Boy said:
Does anyone have experience of Castelli bibshorts? What're your thoughts on them?

Yep - got a pair of those. Mine are the Free Aero Race ones and they are very nice. Comfortable on longer rides, say more than 3-4 hours. I also have DHB ones and they are good too but not as comfortable beyond 3 hours. The pad in the Castellis is really good, the leg grippers are also better. I think I paid £85 for them and I would again.

platypus · 29 Aug 2013 at 17:09

Disco Boy said:
Does anyone have experience of Castelli bibshorts? What're your thoughts on them?

Excellent. Really excellent.

R0B75 · 29 Aug 2013 at 17:17

grudas said:
what did you get?

Planet X Ti. Couldn't really stretch to any other and is a simple swap for nearly all my current components, the exception being the seat post. £900 for the frame, fork and new seatpost.

touch said:
I would get a bike shop to do it.
I'll happily cut metal steerers with a pipe-cutter but i wouldnt cut a carbon steerer. I'd be too worried about cutting it squint or fraying the weave.
A normal hacksaw will go through carbon fine, so you could give it a go if you want to. Wear a mask though - carbon dust isnt nice.

I asked my LBS and they will do it, but they said they are booked up for a couple of weeks now. :/

[DOD]Asprilla;24849771 said:
A normal hacksaw will work but you should wrap the cut point inside and out with take to avoid splintering.

I used one of these: http://www.carbonmods.co.uk/Products/Perma-Grit-152mm-Rodsaw-with-Junior-Hacksaw__TC2.aspx

I've seen videos of it being done including wrapping it in insulating tape and it doesn't look difficult, but then they're experienced.... The only thing I'm missing is one of those guide tools, my LBS doesn't sell them so is it wise to do it without?

[DOD]Asprilla · 29 Aug 2013 at 17:21

I didn't use a guide, I used a load of cheap spacers.

Disco Boy · 29 Aug 2013 at 17:26

uniQ said:
They do a wide range. The lower end is probably on par with cheaper DHB but the higher end stuff is excellent. (Progetto X2 pad). Sorpasso bib tights are awesome they're fleece lined for winter and almost entirely waterproof.

I prefer them to Rapha/Assos but I rate my 2XU bib shorts above all my others.

Shamrock said:
I've got some Castelli Bodypaint 2.0 shorts.

I've used them once and they were comfortable for 70mi, but whether they are better than shorts costing half as much I'm not so sure.

I plan to wear them for the 150 miler this weekend so I will reserve proper judgement until then.

Calpol said:
Yep - got a pair of those. Mine are the Free Aero Race ones and they are very nice. Comfortable on longer rides, say more than 3-4 hours. I also have DHB ones and they are good too but not as comfortable beyond 3 hours. The pad in the Castellis is really good, the leg grippers are also better. I think I paid £85 for them and I would again.

platypus said:
Excellent. Really excellent.

Thanks all.

So it seems that it is model dependent. How do these stand up in the £60-£75 range?:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/ro...t-ultimate-performance-bib-shorts/castzzbs105

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/ro...stelli-velocissimo-due-bib-shorts/castzbbs147

R0B75 · 29 Aug 2013 at 17:39

[DOD]Asprilla;24849944 said:
I didn't use a guide, I used a load of cheap spacers.

That's a good idea thanks, I have loads spare so I'll probably do that.

The head tube on both frames is the same so it shouldn't be too much of an issue cutting it and I think my current fork's steerer is a bit too long so I've got a bit of wiggle room.

physichull · 29 Aug 2013 at 17:49

Well, my second days cycling was better than yesterday, beat a fair amount of segment times from yesterday (PR's not KOMs!!) so I am pleased with that. At least the curve is going upwards! Going to take tomorrow off and head out again on Saturday, just to rest my tired legs and neck a bit.

I think its vital when starting out road cycling to leave a day or two here and there for recovery, so that's the plan!

platypus · 29 Aug 2013 at 18:02

Disco Boy said:
Thanks all.

So it seems that it is model dependent. How do these stand up in the £60-£75 range?:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/ro...t-ultimate-performance-bib-shorts/castzzbs105

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/ro...stelli-velocissimo-due-bib-shorts/castzbbs147

If you can afford it, go for a pair with the Progetto X2 pad, as it's the best one on the market (that I've found). The Kiss3 pad is excellent though and you won't regret it.

Oh yes and size up if you value your testicles.

Saundie · 29 Aug 2013 at 18:24

platypus said:
Reminds me, I'm going on an advanced mechanics course next weekend. Should be interesting!

Where are you going to do that? Have you been on a more basic one in the past? I keep meaning to look into it, then I forget all about it until something goes wrong with one of the bikes.

chanjy · 29 Aug 2013 at 18:39

Another vote for the free aeros here

Castelli size up very small, be warned!

platypus · 29 Aug 2013 at 19:01

Saundie said:
Where are you going to do that? Have you been on a more basic one in the past? I keep meaning to look into it, then I forget all about it until something goes wrong with one of the bikes.

There is a bike courier company here in Cambridge called Outspoken. Quite famous around these parts. They run courses every now and again.

And yes, I've done a basic and intermediate before.